South Korea’s public transport network is among the most developed in Asia. A combination of high-speed rail, city subways, express buses, and airport rail links gets you between major destinations efficiently and at reasonable cost. Here is a practical breakdown of every mode you will use, with current prices and booking tips.
T-money Card: Your Transport Foundation
The T-money card is the starting point for any trip. This contactless smart card works on:
- Seoul’s entire subway network (including AREX)
- All city buses in Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju, Gyeongsan, and most major cities
- Short intercity routes between adjacent cities
- Taxis (in Seoul and Busan)
- Some convenience store purchases
Buy one at any GS25, CU, or 7-Eleven convenience store for approximately KRW 4,000 (includes a refundable KRW 500 deposit). You can also pick one up from vending machines at Incheon Airport arrivals or the Airport Express (AREX) station. Top up at ticket machines or any convenience store — minimum top-up is KRW 1,000.
Using T-money gives you a small discount versus cash fares on buses, and enables free transfers between bus and subway within 30 minutes (up to five journeys in a chain). Any remaining balance is refundable at customer service centres, though a small processing fee applies for balances over KRW 30,000.
Seoul Subway
Seoul’s subway is the backbone of city transport. The network covers nine main lines plus several branch lines, reaching deep into the suburbs and connecting to Incheon and Suwon. Key fares as of 2026:
- Zone 1 (up to 10 km): KRW 1,500 with T-money (KRW 1,600 cash)
- Zone 2 (10–40 km): add KRW 100 per 5 km increment
- Zone 3 (40–50 km): add KRW 100 per 10 km increment
The subway runs from approximately 05:30 to 00:30, with reduced frequency late night. Peak hours are 07:30–09:30 and 18:00–20:00. Trains are air-conditioned, have seating priority sections for elderly passengers, and screens show the next station in Korean and English.
Navigation tip: Kakao Map is more reliable than Google Maps for Seoul subway connections. Enter your destination in English — the app returns step-by-step directions including platform numbers and transfer times.
KTX High-Speed Rail
KTX (Korea Train eXpress) connects Seoul to every major city in Korea. Journey times and approximate standard-class fares as of 2026:
| Route | Time | From (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul → Busan | 2h 15m | 59,800 |
| Seoul → Gyeongju | 2h 10m | 45,400 |
| Seoul → Daejeon | 50 min | 23,700 |
| Seoul → Gwangju (Songjeong) | 1h 35m | 43,500 |
| Seoul → Jeonju (via Iksan) | 1h 50m | 38,200 |
Tickets can be booked on the KORAIL website (korail.com) or the Korail app. The English interface works for standard bookings, though some discounted early-bird fares are only available in Korean. Booking opens 30 days before departure; popular Friday evening and Sunday services sell out quickly.
SRT (Super Rapid Train) operates from Suseo Station in southern Seoul to Busan and Gwangju at similar or slightly faster speeds. The SRT app and website work separately from KORAIL.
KORAIL Pass
Foreign visitors can buy a KORAIL Pass, which covers unlimited KTX and regular rail travel for a fixed number of days:
- 2 consecutive days: approximately USD 79
- 3 consecutive days: approximately USD 99
- 5 flexible days (use within 10 days): approximately USD 139
Passes must be validated on first use at any station’s ticket counter. They are not valid on SRT services or on some speciality tourist trains. Purchase through the KORAIL English website, Visit Korea, or selected travel agencies before departure.
Airport Rail Links
Incheon Airport (ICN):
Two options connect Incheon International Airport to central Seoul:
- AREX Express Train: Non-stop from Incheon T1 to Seoul Station in 43 minutes. Fare: KRW 11,000 (T-money). Trains run every 30 minutes from approximately 05:20 to 22:50.
- AREX All-Stop Train: Calls at nine stations between Incheon T1 and Seoul Station. Journey time approximately 66 minutes. Fare: KRW 5,150 with T-money. More frequent departures.
Both trains stop at Terminal 2 before Terminal 1 when travelling toward Seoul. Terminal 2 serves Korean Air, Delta, and Air France; Terminal 1 serves all other airlines. Confirm which terminal before boarding.
Gimhae Airport, Busan (PUS):
The Busan Gimhae Light Rail (BGL) connects Gimhae Airport to Sasang Station (15 minutes, KRW 1,600 with T-money), where you can transfer to Metro Line 2 for central Busan and Haeundae. A taxi from the airport to the Seomyeon or Haeundae areas costs approximately KRW 15,000–25,000.
Intercity Buses
Korea’s express bus network (고속버스, gosok bus) covers routes that trains do not reach directly, often at significantly lower prices than KTX. The Dongseoul (East Seoul) and Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gangnam) are the two main departure points in the capital.
Sample express bus fares as of 2026:
- Seoul → Gyeongju: approximately KRW 24,000 (Ubus)
- Seoul → Jeonju: approximately KRW 11,500
- Seoul → Sokcho: approximately KRW 14,500
Tickets can be booked online through Kobus (kobus.co.kr) or bought at the terminal on the day. Book 2–3 days ahead for weekend travel or public holidays.
Taxi and Ride-Hailing
Standard taxis in Korea display a green 빈차 (empty) sign when available. Fares as of 2026:
- Base fare: approximately KRW 4,800 (daytime)
- Night surcharge (24:00–04:00): approximately 20% additional
KakaoTaxi (Kakao T app) is the primary ride-hailing platform. It works in English, shows estimated fares upfront, and allows payment by credit card or T-money. Use it for late-night travel when street taxis can be scarce.
Premium taxis (검은색 택시, black taxis) charge higher fares but can accommodate international credit cards and often have English-speaking drivers. These are useful for airport pickups where you have heavy luggage.
Getting Around Gyeongju
Gyeongju is best explored by bicycle or local bus. The city’s main sites — Tumuli Park, Bulguksa Temple, Cheomseongdae Observatory — are spread across a flat landscape easily covered by the rental bikes available near Gyeongju Station (from approximately KRW 5,000 per hour). City bus 10 and 11 serve Bulguksa from the Gyeongju Bus Terminal.
Getting Around Jeju Island
Jeju’s bus network covers the island reasonably well, but journey times between sites can be long. Local buses (Routes 100–200 series) connect the major attractions, with fares from KRW 1,200 with T-money. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility — rates from approximately KRW 40,000 per day for a compact vehicle. For a day trip from Jeju City to Seongsan Ilchulbong and Manjanggul Cave, the #701 intercity bus runs roughly hourly. An international driving permit (IDP) is required alongside your home licence.